Hair band

ABSTRACT

A hair band comprising at least one band provided with at least one substantially longitudinal slot and with respective mutual coupling elements arranged at its ends. 
     The band is made of a polymeric material with high mechanical fatigue strength, i.e., with a rigidity that is suitable to provide a high consistency and flexibility of the elastic type. 
     Fatigue is understood as the successive exposure to stresses, suitable to produce deformations in the band, whose extent and direction may also be variable over time.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a hair band of the type adapted toprovide particular hairstyles of the gathered type: essentially, thepresent invention is an effective accessory for providing hairstyles.

BACKGROUND ART

One particular type of gathered hairstyle is known as the chignon.

The word “chignon” derives from the French expression “chignon du cou”,used to refer to the nape of the neck. The chignon is provided bygathering the hair in a bun on the nape of the neck, but there are manyvariations in style. It is a type of hairstyle worn predominantly forspecial occasions, such as weddings or ballets, but the base of thechignon can also be used for everyday sports styling.

The provision of this type of hairstyle requires a rather complexsequence of operations, during which the hair is generally gatheredbeforehand in a ponytail, the ponytail being arranged typically halfwayalong the rear part of the head (in terms of height).

The hair is rolled up lock by lock, folded at the base and held withhairpins exactly where the roll (or lock) of hair rests against thehead.

These operations are very complicated, require hairgrips, hairpins andthe like, which create tension at the head and can be annoying, and inparticular it is difficult to provide this hairstyle autonomously: it isoften necessary to resort to an expert in order to be certain of anexecution that has a pleasant appearance and is durable.

For this reason, hair stylists are often needed to provide chignons.

Some alternative instruments are known which are substantially shapedlike large hairpins, do not create a firm and stable hairstyle(therefore they are absolutely unsuitable for use during sportsactivities and recreational activities) and subject the scalp tostresses and tensions. The large hairpins (made of various materials)are often subject to breakage, since after a certain number ofsuccessive deformations they yield due to fatigue failure.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems describedabove, by proposing a hair band particularly suitable for the simplifiedprovision of chignons.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to propose a hair bandthat avoids the use of hairpins which cause tension and pain to the headof the user and can be easily lost (slip off) during movement.

Another object of the invention is to propose a hair band that issuitable to be reused an indefinite number of times without beingsubjected to damage due to previous uses.

Another object of the invention is to propose a hair band that isparticularly efficient and stable once it has been arranged among thehair in order to provide the desired hairstyle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hair band thathas low costs and is relatively simple to provide in practice and safein application.

This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparenthereinafter are achieved by a hair band, characterized in that itcomprises at least one band provided with at least one substantiallylongitudinal slot and with respective mutual coupling means, arranged atits ends, said band being made of polymeric material with highmechanical fatigue strength, i.e., having a rigidity that is suitable toconfer a high consistency and flexibility of the elastic type, fatiguebeing understood as the successive exposure to stresses, suitable toproduce deformations in the band, whose extent and direction may also bevariable over time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become moreapparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusiveembodiment of the hair band according to the invention, illustrated byway of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hair band according to the inventionin the inactive configuration;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hair band according to the inventionin the closed configuration that corresponds to the arrangement assumedduring use;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first step of the use of a hair bandaccording to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second step of the use of a hairband according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the third step of the use of a hair bandaccording to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fourth step of the use of a hairband according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a hairstyle provided by means of a hairband according to the invention.

WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the figures, a hair band is generally designated bythe reference numeral 1.

The hair band 1 is constituted by at least one band 2 which is providedwith at least one substantially longitudinal slot 3 and with respectivemeans 4 and 5 for mutual coupling which are arranged at its ends.

The band is conveniently made of polymeric material that has a highmechanical fatigue strength.

The expression “mechanical fatigue” is used to refer to the successiveexposure to stresses, suitable to produce deformations in the band 2,whose extent and direction may also be variable over time.

The mechanical properties generically defined as “mechanical fatiguestrength” that the band 2 made of polymeric material must have are thefollowing:

rigidity and consistency suitable to determine a good aptness of thestructural type (the band 2 must be able to bear stably its own weightand the weight of the hair with which the hairstyle will be providedwithout undergoing any type of deformation along the main axis);

elastic flexibility, in order to ensure that the band 2, when it isfolded onto itself in a substantially curved shape (substantiallycircular shape and/or according to specific curvatures imposed by thehairstyle being provided) tends to elastically return to the inactiveconfiguration in order to provide greater reliability and stability ofthe closure mode. This property must be preserved effectively over timeeven after prolonged use;

high fatigue strength of its parts intended to be deformed repeatedlyduring use (all or part of the mutual coupling means 4 and 5).

According to an embodiment of unquestionable interest in practice and inapplication, the polymer used is preferably of the type ofpolypropylene.

More specifically, it is adequate to stress the particular suitabilityfor this application of a polypropylene preferably of the type with ahigh crystalline grade.

It is specified that in a particularly effective constructive solutionthe polymer has the following mechanical characteristics:

elastic modulus of deformation whose value is comprised between 1500 and2800 MPa,

fatigue strength and yield strength whose value is comprised between 25and 60 MPa,

values of percentage breaking deformation comprised between 5% and 25%,

values of percentage yielding deformation comprised between 2% and 12%of the initial value.

All the values cited above must be considered as determined according tothe ISO 527-1 and ISO 527-2 standards.

In particular, preference is indicated for a first material that has thefollowing mechanical properties:

elastic modulus of deformation equal to 2300 MPa,

fatigue strength and yield strength equal to 41 MPa,

values of percentage breaking deformation equal to 12%,

values of percentage yielding deformation equal to 6%.

As an alternative, the possible and effective application of a secondmaterial having the following mechanical characteristics is indicated:

elastic modulus of deformation equal to 2000 MPa,

fatigue strength and yield strength equal to 40 MPa,

values of percentage breaking deformation equal to 20%,

values of percentage yielding deformation equal to 7%.

It should also be specified that a polymer with optimum effectivenessmust have the following physical properties:

density of a value comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 g/cm³, determinedaccording to the ISO1183 standard,

melt mass-flow rate comprised between 10 and 30 g/10 minutes accordingto the ISO1133 standard,

melt volume-flow rate comprised between 15 and 45 cm³/10 minutes,according to the ISO1133 standard.

In particular, preference is indicated for a first material that has thefollowing mechanical properties:

density of a value equal to 0.9 g/cm³,

melt mass-flow rate equal to 20 g/10 minutes,

melt volume-flow rate equal to 27 cm³/10 minutes.

As an alternative, the possible and effective application of a secondmaterial that has the following mechanical characteristics is indicated:

density of a value equal to 0.9 g/cm³,

melt mass-flow rate equal to 12 g/10 minutes,

melt volume-flow rate equal to 16 cm³/10 minutes.

By way of first example, it is indicated that the first material ofinterest is preferably of the type known commercially by the code ADSTIFHA840R, manufactured by LyondellBasell; the second material of interestis preferably of the type known commercially by the code ADSTIF HA740N,manufactured by LyondellBasell.

For ensuring optimum stability of the hairstyle provided by means of thehair band 1, the coupling means 4 and 5 comprise a contoured opening 4on a first end 2 a of the band 2 and a T-shaped element 5 on the secondend 2 b of the band 2.

The T-shaped element 5 is suitable for insertion in the contouredopening 4 and for selective locking inside it: selective locking occursfollowing the arrangement of the central portion of the T-shape, alignedwith the longitudinal axis of the band 2, within a recess 6 that isdirected toward the end portion of the first end 2 a of the contouredopening 4.

The end portion of the T-shaped element 5, when the central portion isaccommodated within the recess 6 of the opening 4, is oriented backwardtoward the perimetric edge of the first end 2 a of the band 2: thisorientation is achieved by inclining it backward with respect to thedirection of the second end 2 b of the band 2 so as to define a safetylock against its escape from the recess 6.

The recess 6 is particularly large and extended toward the end of theportion 2 a: in this manner the accommodation of the end portion of theelement 5 is safer and more stable.

The recess 6 is narrower than the remaining part of the opening 4,whereas its length is considerably larger: positively, the length (alongthe direction of the longitudinal axis of the band 2) of the remainingpart of the opening 4 is minimal, so as to hinder the accidental exit ofthe end portion of the element 5 from the recess 6 during use and if itis necessary to make adjustments to the hairstyle (once it has alreadybeen provided). The combination of these shape characteristics with theelastic behavior of the polymer used to provide the band 2 ensures theideal behavior of the band 2 in terms of stability of reclosure(especially in the configuration for use to define a hairstyle).

Orientation and inclination are obtained by deformation: thanks to theadoption of the polymers described above it is possible to havepermanent deformations which however do not induce fatigue failure ofthe material.

In particular, the polymers used ensure optimum shape memory: even afterprolonged use in the closed configuration to define a hairstyle of thehair band 1, when said hair band is released into the inactiveconfiguration it tends to assume again the original flat shape. The sameoccurs for the end portion of the T-shaped element 5, which, folded soas to ensure its locking within the recess 6, will tend to resume itsinitial shape, before bending, when released into the inactiveconfiguration. This characteristic ensures a considerable effectivenessof the hair band 1 and a very long durability thereof without anydeterioration of its mechanical properties and of its convenience inuse.

The substantially longitudinal slot 3 has toothed delimiting edges; thetoothed portions of the facing edges are contiguous and substantiallycomplementary.

The goal pursued by adopting toothed delimiting edges is to retain (andin a way to comb) the hair delimited while it is rolled up onto the hairband 1, before closing it onto itself to define the hairstyle.

The user must insert the hair (preferably gathered in a ponytail) withinthe slot 3 between the sets of teeth.

By rolling up the hair on the band 2 (while said hair is inserted in theslot 3) and by then closing the band 2 onto itself by with the closuremeans 4 and 5 it is possible to provide various types of hairstyle,particularly chignons and the like.

It should be stressed that the longitudinal slot 3 comprises two endreceptacles 7 that are wider than said slot 3 in the remaining portionsof the band 2.

These wider receptacles ensure greater flexibility of the band 2 when itis opened along the opening 3 for insertion of the hair.

Advantageously, the hair band 1 according to the invention isparticularly suitable for the simplified provision of chignonsparticularly when the user wishes to provide the particular hairstyleindependently on his or her own head.

Positively, the hair band 1 according to the invention avoids the use ofhairpins which would cause tension and pain to the head of the user andmight be easily lost (disengaged) during movements. The presentinvention therefore has optimum ergonomics for the well-being andcomfort of the user.

Usefully, the hair band 1 according to the invention is suitable to bereused an indefinite number of times without being damaged by prioruses.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modificationsand variations, all of which are within the scope of the appendedclaims; all the details may further be replaced with other technicallyequivalent elements.

The hair band 1 can be provided in various lengths and sizes; inparticular, a first longer version is known which is suitable forproviding classic chignons. A second version of the hair band 1 that hassmaller dimensions is associated therewith for providing specifichairstyles that allow the arrangement of only a few individual locks inparticular shapes. It is evident that the smaller versions might also besuitable for the provision of classic chignons on children.

In the illustrated exemplary embodiments, individual characteristics,given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchangedwith other different characteristics that exist in other exemplaryembodiments.

Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during thepatenting process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subjectof a disclaimer.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be anyaccording to the requirements and the state of the art.

The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. BO2010A000270 fromwhich this application claims priority are incorporated herein byreference.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed byreference signs, those reference signs have been included for the solepurpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly,such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on theinterpretation of each element identified by way of example by suchreference signs.

1-9. (canceled)
 10. A hair band, comprising at least one band providedwith at least one substantially longitudinal slot and with respectivemutual coupling means arranged at its ends, said band being made of apolymeric material with high mechanical fatigue strength, i.e., with arigidity that is suitable to provide a high consistency and flexibilityof the elastic type, fatigue being understood as the successive exposureto stresses suitable to produce deformations in the band whose extentand direction may also be variable over time.
 11. The hair bandaccording to claim 10, wherein said polymer is of the type ofpolypropylene.
 12. The hair band according to claim 11, wherein saidpolymer of the type of polypropylene is of the type with a highcrystalline grade.
 13. The hair band according to claim 10, wherein saidpolymer has an elastic modulus of deformation whose value is comprisedbetween 1500 and 2800 MPa, fatigue strength and yield strength whosevalue is comprised between 25 and 60 MPa, with corresponding values ofpercentage breaking deformation comprised between 5% and 25% andpercentage yielding deformation values comprised between 2% and 12% ofthe initial value, all the values determined according to the standardsset by ISO527-1 and ISO527-2.
 14. The hair band according to claim 10,wherein said polymer has a density, according to the ISO1183 standard,comprised between 0.5 and 1.5 g/cm³, a melt mass-flow rate, according tothe ISO1133 standard, comprised between 10 and 30 g/10 minutes and amelt volume-flow rate, according to the ISO1133 standard, comprisedbetween 15 and 45 cm³/10 minutes.
 15. The hair band according to claim10, wherein said coupling means comprise a contoured opening on a firstend of said band and a T-shaped element on the second end of the band,said T-shaped element being adapted for insertion in said contouredopening and for selective locking therein following the arrangement ofthe central portion of said T-shape, aligned with the longitudinal axisof said band, within a recess which is directed backward toward the endregion of the first end of said contoured opening.
 16. The hair bandaccording to claim 15, wherein the end portion of said T-shaped element,when the central portion is accommodated within said recess of saidopening, is oriented toward the perimetric edge of said first end of theband, which is inclined with respect to the direction of said second endof the band, so as to form a safety lock with respect to its exit fromsaid recess, said orientation and inclination being obtained bydeformation of the element.
 17. The hair band according to claim 10,wherein said substantially longitudinal slot has toothed delimitingedges, with the teeth of facing edges being contiguous and substantiallycomplementary.
 18. The hair band according to claim 10, wherein saidlongitudinal slot comprises two end receptacles which are wider than thewidth of said slot in the remaining portions of said band.